Grand National 2011: Ballabriggs wins in a day of drama at Aintree | Daily Mail Online comments 22-year-old Irish jockey taken to hospital with head injuries in pre-Grand National race Two horses fatally injured in falls which led to just 28 fences being jumped for the first time BBC responds to criticism by saying presenters handled deaths 'sensitively' Critical condition: Peter Toole was injured in a race preceding yesterday's Grand National Jockey Peter Toole is in a critical condition in hospital after being hurt in a heavy fall at Aintree on Grand National Day. Toole was injured when his mount, the outsider Classic Fly, crashed to the ground in the early stages of the John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase, the 2.15pm race on the card yesterday. The 22-year-old has been put in a medically-induced coma after he suffered bleeding on the right side of his brain and a dislocated shoulder. His fall came before two horses died during yesterday’s Grand National in one of the most ‘distressing’ races in recent history.

The 22-year-old Irishman was taken to the nearby Fazakerley Hospital then later transferred to the hospital's Walton Centre For Neurology & Neuro Surgery. Trainer Charlie Mann, to whom Mr Toole is attached as a conditional jockey, said: 'He's in an induced coma and he won't be brought out until Monday at the earliest. 'He has bleeding on the right-hand side of his brain. He also dislocated a shoulder which has since been put back in place. 'He's on a ventilator, and it's not great - but we won't know any more until Monday.' Weighing-room colleague David Crosse added: 'Ive spoken to Peter's dad who said he remains stable, but with no improvement. 'He's going to be sedated for 24 hours.' During the Grand National, millions of TV viewers saw Ornais fall at the fourth fence, breaking his neck, while Dooneys Gate broke his back minutes later at Becher’s Brook. It meant that for the first time in the race’s history the two fences were bypassed during the second circuit of the Aintree track – as the horses were hastily screened off with tarpaulins.

But the BBC was accused of a ‘cover-up’ after commentator Mick Fitzgerald described the dead horses as ‘obstacles’. Distressing sight: Runners and riders lie in a tangle on the ground after jumping the notorious Becher's Brook where Dooneys Gate died today The former Grand National winner made the remark while discussing how chequered flags were waved as jockeys approached the 20th and 22nd fences, which they were required to bypass because the dead bodies had not been removed. Mr Fitzgerald said: ‘The thing is, you know there is an obstacle ahead, that’s what these chequered flags tell you.’ One viewer wrote on the corporation’s own website: ‘I’m amazed that the BBC coverage pans over the tarpaulins on the re-run and the commentators just talk about “obstacles”.’ Another said: ‘And the BBC – shame on you. No mention of what’s happened, even when there’s 2 dead covered horses on screen.’ On The Mail on Sunday website, commenters also expressed outrage.

‘Jax’ branded the race ‘disgusting and cruel’, adding: ‘It’s not the Grand National, it’s a national disgrace.’ Covered up: A dead horse is hidden by tarpaulin as the race continues over on the far side of the Aintree course Another, ‘Phoenix’, said: ‘I cannot believe in this day and age that this kind of public cruelty still goes on. Two animals died today but nobody cares, we’ll do it all again next year.’ Of the main race, Andrew Tyler of Animal Aid described the gruelling four-and-a-half-mile marathon as one of the most ‘distressing’ races he could recall and echoed criticisms of the BBC, saying: ‘It is particularly callous and disgusting that a member of the commentary team should describe the dead horses as they lay on the course as an “obstacle”.’ Aintree said the bypassing practice became possible two years ago for the first time as part of ‘ongoing safety improvements’. More than half the 40 runners failed to make the finish line.

Tragedy: Dooneys Gate, in the centre of the picture one of the race's two fatalities ridden by Paul Mullins, falls at Becher's Brook Over: Grand Slam Hero and Aidan Coleman at the 13th fence. Just 19 of the field of 40 finished the race Tony Moore, chairman of Fight Against Animal Cruelty in Europe, led a group of around 40 people demonstrating outside the racecourse. He said: ‘If they really care about horses, why do the owners, jockeys and trainers put them through this ordeal?’ On average, three horses a year are fatally injured over the three-day Aintree meeting. Ornais, ridden by Nick Scholfield, came to grief at the fourth fence.The nine-year-old was one of four horses in the race trained by Paul Nicholls, who said: ‘He was a very good novice chaser in his early days. It is bad luck and very sad to lose a horse in this way.’ Dooneys Gate came down two fences later at Becher’s Brook. Irish trainer Willie Mullins, whose son Patrick was having his first National ride on the horse, said: ‘He was a good servant to us.

It’s very unfortunate and Patrick is devastated.’ Going ...Mark Walsh and Quolibet Going ... The rider knows he's in deep trouble Gone ... The pair crash to the ground at the 11th Viewers could clearly see the dead horses being covered with tarpaulins from an aerial camera. The BBC’s Grand National presenter Clare Balding later tweeted: ‘Very sorry to report two fatalities at the Grand National – thoughts with all those connected with Ornais & Dooneys Gate.’ Julian Thick, managing director of Aintree Racecourse, said: ‘We are desperately sad at the accidents and our thoughts go out to the connections of Ornais and Dooneys Gate. When a horse gets hurt, everyone is deeply upset. Safety is the first priority for the organisers of the Grand National meeting and we will redouble our efforts to make sure that everyone involved in the event is able to participate in safety and comfort. Horseracing is a carefully regulated and monitored sport. All horses and riders in the Grand National have to meet very high standards set by an independent panel of experts.’ Responding to Animal Aid’s criticism, a BBC spokesman said: ‘We were aware of the unfortunate events of the two fatalities.

During the race and the re-run this was covered with as much sensitivity as possible. ‘Clare [Balding] was also most sensitive in her reporting of the incidents and even touched on it in her closing links to the programme.’ Watched by 600 million people worldwide, the race was won by Ballabriggs, which finished ahead of Oscar Time ridden by Kate Middleton’s friend Sam Waley-Cohen. Bookmakers William Hill said more than £250 million was gambled yesterday. 33 tragedies at course in just 11 years By JO MACFARLANE In all 33 horses have died during three-day Grand National meetings at Aintree since 2000 – and it is unusual for no horse to be killed as a result of the main race itself. In 2000 five horses died over the three days. The high death toll prompted animal rights activists to describe it as a ‘blood bath’ and call for an investigation. Strong Promise, Rossell Island and Architect all suffered fatal falls on the first day of the meeting while Lake Kariba had a heart attack at the end of a race. Toni’s Tip sustained fatal spinal injuries during a race the following day.

Close up: Horses attempting the notoriously difficult Becher's Brook at the Grand National In 2001, The Outback Way also died from spinal injuries. Of the four deaths in 2002, two – The Last Fling and Manx Magic – happened during the Grand National race itself. Desert Mountain and Anubis Quercus died in earlier races at the meeting. Goguenard had to be put down after the 2003 Grand National and Coolnagorna was also put down after breaking a hind leg. Unusually, there were no deaths in 2004. But Lilium de Cotte died after suffering a haemorrhage on the middle day of the 2005 meeting, and two horses – Terivic and Tyneandthyneagain – were killed in 2006. Tyneandthyneagain perished after falling at the first fence in the main race. The 2007 meeting saw the deaths of three horses. Lord Rodney and Into The Shadows were killed in races before the main event.

Falling: Riders and horses fall in the melee at Becher's Brook Dramatic: Several horses fall at Becher's, captured here in dramatic close up Meanwhile, Graphic Approach died a month after sustaining injuries at the notorious Becher’s Brook fence during the Grand National. Another three horses were killed in 2008: Time To Sell, The High Grass and McKelvey. McKelvey had become something of a star after featuring on BBC1’s The One Show as he was treated for a tendon injury and prepared for the iconic race. But 2009 was an even worse year, with five deaths – the worst toll since 2000. Hear The Echo collapsed and died at the end of the big race on the Saturday, while Exotic Dancer, Mel In Blue, Moscow Catch and Lilla Sophia died earlier during the meeting. A further four died last year, 2010, although none of them during the main Grand National race. Pagan Starprincess, Prudent Honour, Plaisir D’Estraval and Schindlers Hunt all fell during previous races.

This year, one of the bloodiest for the Grand National itself, two horses, Ornais and Dooneys Gate, died during the main race. Inventor fell on Thursday. Animal Aid claims 162 horses have died on race courses in Britain over the past 12 months. The organisation’s website carries a feature called Race Horse Death Watch, which keeps a running record of racing tragedies up and down the country. And they're off! The horses make their way down to the first fence in the John Smith's Grand National On his way: Ballabriggs ridden by Jason Maguire in green and yellow silks leaps over the water jump on his way to winning the Grand National Winner: Jockey Jason Maguire celebrating after romping home by two and a quarter lengths on Ballabriggs BBC Sport - Horse Racing - Grand National: Ballabriggs powers to National win Grand National: Ballabriggs powers to National win By Frank Keogh BBC Sport at Aintree Watch the closing stages of the 2011 Grand National Ballabriggs won the 164th running of the Grand National to secure a new chapter in the McCain family's love affair with the famous Aintree marathon.

Trainer Donald McCain is the son of Ginger, whose four victories in the race included a unique treble with Red Rum. The 14-1 chance Ballabriggs, ridden by Jason Maguire, led for much of the way and held off runner-up Oscar Time under amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen by two-and-a-quarter lengths. Last year's winner Don't Push It was third for Tony McCoy with State of Play fourth, ahead of Niche Market. For the first time in the race's history, two of the 30 fences were bypassed on the second circuit after horses fell during the first time round. Ornais, who came down at the fourth, and Dooneys Gate, who came down at Becher's Brook, were both fatally injured. Maguire was given a five-day ban by stewards after the race for excessive use of the whip in the closing stages. Donald McCain was only a child when record-breaking Red Rum won three Grand Nationals and finished runner-up twice in the 1970s.

Maguire 'overwhelmed' to win Grand National But he has learned from his father and took over the training reins in 2006 when Ginger retired two years after another National triumph with Amberleigh House. The 10-year-old Ballabriggs had won five of his six races immediately before the National and relished the daunting challenge. At one stage it looked as though Waley-Cohen, friend of royal bride-to-be Kate Middleton, might be set for victory on a horse owned by his father Robert. But as Oscar Time came to his side at The Elbow, Maguire pulled out more on his mount as the front two pulled clear, with Don't Push It 12 lengths behind the second. Maguire said: "This is crazy. I've got to thank Donald, Mr Hemmings, my mother and father, everybody. It's a dream come true. "After the last I felt like something was coming up behind me and my horse was going a bit low but McCain horses never know when to lie down and he gave everything.

But he was very tired after the line." It was an audacious attempt by Waley-Cohen to pull off a hat-trick of triumphs in big steeplechases this season, having won the King George VI Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup on Long Run. "He gave me a fantastic spin. It's been a phenomenal season. I feel incredibly lucky and honoured to be riding in these big races and for it to go so well," he said afterwards. "The plan was always to come with one smooth run. We knew he had a huge jump in him so I was just trying to get him to pop a little bit and save and not get too keen. "He did everything I asked of him and the National course is so special. If the horse takes to it it can be the best 10 minutes of your life, and the shortest as well." For winning jockey Maguire, it was a first National success after he missed out in 2007 when rejecting the chance to ride eventual winner Silver Birch for trainer Gordon Elliott, when staying loyal to McCain's Cloudy Lane. Champion jockey McCoy, who was bidding for back-to-back wins on Don't Push It, was proud of his own horse's efforts.

"He ran a great race and all credit to the horse. It's very difficult for horses to win back-to-back Nationals," said McCoy. "He was off the bridle a little bit early and he got a little bit low at a couple of fences late on which was energy-sapping. "I tried to get him to finish in the best possible position but well done to Jason Maguire, Trevor Hemmings and Donald McCain." The horse's trainer Jonjo O'Neill was also pleased with the performance. "He has run a smashing race under that weight," he said. "It is always good to see them come back and run so well the second time but he wasn't quite good enough on this occasion." The Willie Mullins-trained favourite, The Midnight Club, made a mistake at the third and eventually finished sixth. Jockey Ruby Walsh said afterwards: "I was lucky to get round, he lost all chance at the third fence, then got very careful.

"I was struggling before we were hampered going towards the final bend, but we just weren't good enough." Bookmark with: Ballabriggs wins fifth Grand National at Aintree for McCain family | Sport | The Guardian Close This article is 5 years old Ballabriggs at 14-1 gave the new generation of the McCain family victory in a race which will always be associated with their name when grinding out success in a bruising renewal of the John Smith's Grand National . Donald McCain, whose father trained Red Rum to win the race three times, successes which helped elevate the contest into a national institution, enjoyed his first victory in the world's most famous jumps race since taking over the licence from his father in 2006. But the race came not without its share of unwanted controversy, with two horses killed and the winning horse heading straight back to the racecourse stables after the race after showing signs of dehydration after the winning post. Instead it was left to jockey Jason Maguire to take the cheers of the sell-out crowd as he walked back to the winner's enclosure with Ballabriggs left to enjoy being splashed in buckets of cold water, which were thankfully in ready supply given the unseasonal high temperatures at the track.

Having taken up the lead at halfway, Maguire's mount relished the challenge of the fences and produced some impressive jumps in front after one memorable bad blunder at Valentine's Brook. Going to the second-last fence, there were still five runners in with a clear chance, Niche Market doing his best to get past the leader but under maximum pressure. It was only after the final fence that Irish National runner-up Oscar Time (14-1) emerged as the greatest danger to the winner and the pair set down to battle it out up the run-in. For one brief moment at the Elbow when Sam Waley-Cohen switched Oscar Time out to challenge, it looked as if he might reel in the leader, but Ballabriggs found more and scored by 2¼ lengths. Don't Push It (9-1) tried gallantly to become the first horse since Red Rum himself to win the race twice and kept on bravely under Tony McCoy for third place, while State of Play (28-1) came from a long way back to finish fourth and make the frame in the race for the fourth consecutive years. A total of 19 horses completed the course. Favourite The Midnight Club finished sixth.

Maguire rode the race with his right hand heavily bandaged after a heavy fall on the opening day of the meeting. "This is crazy," said the jockey. "I've got to thank Donald, Mr Hemmings, my mother and father, everybody. It's a dream come true. I tried to get in the first 10 early on so that if he did make a mistake we hadn't as much ground to make up. He loved it and was jumping from fence to fence. He was attacking every one. "I got him to the front to get him relaxed and put breathers into him and that helped him get the trip. There was a question mark about him getting the trip, but Donald has done a great job. I don't know what I feel. I'm just overwhelmed." McCain, for whom Maguire rides as stable jockey, added: "We've always thought this might be an Aintree horse and you only need to see the way he's taken to this place today. Good horses are easy to train. Everything has gone smoothly all year and he had a nice prep at Kelso last time. "He's just an absolute pleasure to deal with, I know he's won a Grand National , but he is.

I've been involved in Grand Nationals all my life and you come here and you realise what this place is all about. It's hot out there and he had been up there all the way. He gives his everything, he doesn't hold anything back. He is coming round fine now thankfully, he was just tired." Grand National: Pinstickers' guide to the Aintree runners and riders - BBC Sport BBC Sport Grand National: Pinstickers' guide to the Aintree runners and riders By Frank Keogh From the section Horse Racing Share this page 16:15 BST Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 live, online and mobile devices. Live text commentary on BBC Sport website. Channel 4 TV Frank Keogh's verdict: 1 Imperial Commander 2 Cappa Bleu 3 Teaforthree 4 Always Waining 5 Treacle Imperial Commander would be an emotional winner for the team who lost Little Josh to a fatal fall on Friday. Cappa Bleu and Always Waining love the place, Teaforthree should see out trip and Treacle was my pick last year. Good luck to all.

(Number, form, name, age, weight, trainer, jockey) 1 51U/1P/-2 IMPERIAL COMMANDER 12-11-10 Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies Trainer and son were devastated on Friday after their much-loved racehorse Little Josh died after a fall in a race over the National fences. They will regroup to prepare stable star Imperial Commander, who won the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup, in which Denman and Kauto Star were rivals. Returned from long injury lay-off when second at Cheltenham in January. Missed Gold Cup in March with infection but has been thriving at home since. Sam, 20, rides for his father, who won with Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002). Rating: 9/10 Odds: 14-1 2 P/33F0-0 WHAT A FRIEND 10-11-09 Paul Nicholls Sam Thomas A victory at Liverpool for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson? He co-owns the horse who has won another race at the Aintree meeting previously.

Unlike Fergie's title-bound team, What A Friend (one of two in the race for the Scot) has been out of form although should appreciate drying ground and was once fourth in a Cheltenham Gold Cup. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 3 3PF-4PP WEIRD AL 10-11-08 Donald McCain Timmy Murphy Another who has decent form in the book, albeit from a few seasons ago. Boasts a formidable trainer-jockey combination. Trainer won the 2011 National with Ballabriggs and is son of the late Ginger who guided the legendary Red Rum to three victories and landed the race with Amberleigh House in 2004. Jockey won on Comply Or Die for David Pipe five years ago. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 40-1 4 1113-04 QUEL ESPRIT 9-11-07 Willie Mullins IRE David Casey Irish champion trainer, whose current stable stars include champion hurdler Hurricane Fly and Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Sir Des Champs, won the National in 2005 with Hedgehunter.

Quel Esprit's win in the 2012 Irish Hennessy reads well, but stablemate On His Own is clearly the number one candidate for Mullins, whose all-time sporting hero, just as an aside, is Brazilian football great Pele. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 5 40/-U312 BIG FELLA THANKS 11-11-06 Tom George Denis O'Regan Has finished fourth, sixth and seventh in previous Nationals. In decent form this season, and while weight is a concern, one of the more interesting bigger-priced runners. Named after a greyhound, and not as some think the racing broadcaster Derek Thompson, who is fond of the greeting 'All right Big Fella'. Formerly with Ferdy Murphy, now trained in Gloucestershire. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 40-1 6 1113-23 SEABASS 10-11-06 Ted Walsh IRE Katie Walsh Remember the film National Velvet where Elizabeth Taylor played a young female jockey who won the Grand National? Couldn't happen in real life, could it? Don't bet against it.

Katie is an amateur in name only, a brilliant rider who achieved best finish by a lady rider in National when third on Seabass last year. Her trainer dad Ted won the race in 2000 with Papillon, ridden by her brother Ruby. Fairytale stuff. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 10-1 7 0-1U355 ROBERTO GOLDBACK 11-11-06 Nicky Henderson Barry Geraghty Brought to the UK from Ireland to be specifically trained for this race by the astute Henderson yard. Trainer has never won the race, but has a legion of top steeplechasers, including last month's Champion Chase winner Sprinter Sacre, who also won the Melling Chase at Aintree on Friday, and Cheltenham Gold Cup victor Bobs Worth. I don't think Roberto Goldback will win, but some other judges think he is a leading player.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 33-1 8 P012-5P SUNNYHILLBOY 10-11-04 Jonjo O'Neill Richie McLernon Narrowest runner-up in Grand National history last year when just edged out by winner Neptune Collonges by a nose - after a demanding four and a half miles over 30 testing fences. Has more weight this year and champion jockey AP McCoy has elected to ride Colbert Station instead for Ted Walsh. Both are among horses owned by JP McManus, who pays the champ's wages. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 9 1/46-P03 BALLABRIGGS 12-11-04 Donald McCain Jason Maguire Impressive winner of the 2011 National for Donald McCain, son of Aintree legend Ginger, who triumphed three times with Red Rum in the 1970s and again with Amberleigh House in 2004.

Ginger, a colourful character who vigorously defended the supreme challenge that this unique contest provides, died five months after the win by Ballabriggs who was sixth last year and could compete for a minor place. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 10 11-0620 TEAFORTHREE 9-11-03 Rebecca Curtis Nick Scholfield While 500 million people worldwide focus on the Grand National, Teaforthree's one-time jockey John Thomas McNamara is paralysed in hospital after a fall at last month's Cheltenham Festival. The distinguished Irish amateur rode the horse to victory in the four-miler at the 2012 Festival. Trained in Wales, was second in Welsh National and would be a poignant winner as racing's thoughts remain with JT and his family. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 14-1 11 3-11201 ACROSS THE BAY 9-11-02 Donald McCain Henry Brooke Gone a bit under the radar this one for shrewd National-winning trainer (Ballabriggs 2011).

Beat leading contender Cappa Bleu, who may not have been at his best that day, out of sight earlier in the season. Owned by the Scotch Piper Syndicate. Will they be piping up after another McCain winner? Not in my top five, but three wins this season tell you he might be in the mix. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 33-1 12 1P3-02P JOIN TOGETHER 8-11-02 Paul Nicholls Daryl Jacob Champion trainer Paul Nicholls is getting the hang of this Grand National lark. After 53 attempts, including a couple of near misses, he finally won the world's most famous horse race last year when the galloping grey Neptune Collonges won in a photo finish. Last year's winning jockey takes the ride and the pair are respected. Nicholls told me on Monday this was his best chance in this year's contest. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 13 413-5211 COLBERT STATION 9-11-01 Ted Walsh IRE AP McCoy Now this is where it gets interesting.

Trainer Ted Walsh, the highly respected pundit and equine expert, knows how to get horses ready. He prepared Papillon to win in 2000 and has two leading contenders this year - Seabass and Colbert Station. Daughter Katie rides the former and 17-times champion jockey McCoy is on the latter. McCoy won National in 2010 on Don't Push It for Jonjo O'Neill and is a fascinating jockey booking. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 9-1 14 2P1536 FORPADYDEPLASTERER 11-11-00 Thomas Cooper IRE Andrew J McNamara Consortium of owners include folk who once owned Sunderland FC. In their red and white scarves, the band of Irish racing fans sometimes sing 'Forpadydeplasterer, they never go fasterer.' Maybe even when they are, er, a bit plastered. A high-quality steeplechaser in his prime. Possibly not the force of old, and stamina question, but no forlorn hope.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1 15 P1/B1F-1 ON HIS OWN 9-11-00 Willie Mullins IRE Ruby Walsh Have to be honest - he's ante-post favourite for a reason and I'm taking a huge punt by leaving him out of the selections. Anyone can tip the favourite and it is the Grand National where luck plays a big part. Trainer believes he is a better horse than his 2005 winner Hedgehunter, and he was top drawer. Jockey is one of the all-time greats. He may well be out on his own, although fell late on last year when travelling ominously well. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 7-1 16 0-35233 JONCOL 10-10-13 Paul Nolan IRE Robbie Power Bare recent form figures don't have too many 1s in there. However, handicapper has given him a shout with handy weight of less than 11st. Previous winner of the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup.

Jockey Robbie Power, who is nicknamed 'Puppy', comes from an equestrian family - dad Con was a top showjumper. Robbie won the 2007 Grand National on Silver Birch for trainer Gordon Elliott. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 17 P0F1-12 BALTHAZAR KING 9-10-12 Philip Hobbs Richard Johnson Outstanding performer at Cheltenham where his cross-country chase win at the course's Festival in 2012 is a very solid piece of form. Somerset trainer Hobbs and serial jockeys' title runner-up Johnson (second many times to AP McCoy) are an excellent partnership. The likeable pair nearly landed a maiden Grand National win with the grey What's Up Boys, beaten into second by Bindaree in 2002. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 18 1334-22 CAPPA BLEU 11-10-11 Evan Williams Paul Moloney As close as you'll get to an each-way banker in a race where you expect the unexpected.

Fourth last year and Welsh trainer previously had his State Of Play placed three times in the Grand National. He thinks Cappa Bleu is in even better shape this year. Can see him being in the shake-up, although not quite having enough to win. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 10-1 19 2/4-4U60 OSCAR TIME 12-10-11 Martin Lynch IRE Sam Waley-Cohen Ran a blinder for amateur jockey when second in the 2011 Grand National. Rider is an expert in getting horses to thrive in this demanding setting with wins in three other races over the big Aintree fences, plus three seconds. Was also fifth on Liberthine in the 2007 National, a year after winning on the mare in the Topham Chase. Oscar not in the form of two years ago, but likes the Liverpool air. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 20 44001-00 ALWAYS WAINING 12-10-10 Peter Bowen Tom O'Brien Huge price for a horse that has won three times over the Grand National fences.

Yes, you heard that right, a triple winner over the big obstacles. His victories in the Topham Chase came over much shorter distance, but drying ground could help in the stamina department. Pembrokeshire trainer has often had him entered in the National itself - this year he gets his chance to shine. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 40-1 21 15U-606 TATENEN 9-10-10 Richard Rowe Andrew Thornton The more people you speak to, the more your head gets fried with all the information. Anyway, owner Andy Stewart told me earlier in week Tatenen is overpriced. He was a little put out when I told him he would not be featuring in my first five. Jockey approaching veteran stage is known as 'Lenzio'. He wears contact lenses, you see. Trainer used to ride for the late Josh Gifford, who brought Aldaniti back from serious injury to win 1981 National.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 22 423F-01 TREACLE 12-10-09 Tom Taaffe IRE Noel Fehily My tip last year tipped up. Win last time out was encouraging for trainer, who landed Cheltenham Gold Cup with Kicking King in 2005, and is the son of the late Pat Taaffe - best known for his rides on the legendary 1960s steeplechaser Arkle. Pat rode two Grand National winners - Quare Times (1955) and top weight Gay Trip (1970). I'm not as sweet on Treacle this year, but it would leave a sour taste if he went well unsupported, so he goes in at number five.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1 23 011611 LOST GLORY 8-10-08 Jonjo O'Neill Mark Walsh The horse, bred in New Zealand (like previous winners Seagram - 1991 - and Lord Gyllene - 1997), is trained in Gloucestershire by Jonjo O'Neill, whose stable is bankrolled by JP McManus. The team won with Don't Push It, ridden by AP McCoy, in 2010 and the yard's Sunnyhillboy was a narrow second in the 2012 race in which stablemate and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised died. Scored a few wins much earlier in the season, but in lower grade races. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 24 P-P1440 SWING BILL 12-10-08 David Pipe Conor O'Farrell Pipe family have a great affection for the big race.

Trainer David Pipe won with Comply or Die in 2008, while his father Martin oversaw the 1994 victory of Miinnehoma, owned by comedian Freddie Starr. Can't see them celebrating this time with the grey who has run all right over the fences in the Becher Chase, but doubt Swing Bill will pay the bills. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 25 U01-F430 SAINT ARE 7-10-08 Tim Vaughan Dougie Costello Likes Aintree - has won a hurdle race and steeplechase at the track, albeit not on the National course. Fell in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury earlier in the season, and horses aged just seven do not have a great record in the big race here. Bred in France by Jaques Cypres, whose farm produced the 1994 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner The Fellow.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 26 B-0U631 CHICAGO GREY 10-10-07 Gordon Elliott IRE Paul Carberry My auntie played bingo for a good while with the Irish trainer's gran over in County Meath. You'd think he would give me the odd tip. Still waiting. He did tell me on Friday the horse was well. After winning the National in 2007 with Silver Birch, Elliott said he would drink a barrel of his country's favourite drink. Suspect he might have got through two. Jockey won in 1999 on Bobbyjo for trainer father Tommy Carberry. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 14-1 27 010F-605 QUISCOVER FONTAINE 9-10-07 Willie Mullins IRE David Casey Fourth in the 2011 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse behind winner Organisedconfusion. Runners from the Mullins yard always deserve respect, particularly in this race off a relatively low weight. However, is not the stable's main hope and has not shone so far this season.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 40-1 28 3B0-643 RARE BOB 11-10-06 Dessie Hughes IRE Bryan Cooper Jockey rated as a potential future champion, some calling him 'the next Ruby Walsh'. Trainer another of those from a great Irish racing family - his son Richard is the current champion Flat jockey in the UK. The selection of 1981 Grand National-winning jockey Bob Champion, who beat cancer to win on Aldaniti. Champion says he is not backing Rare Bob just for the name. He sounded fairly bullish. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 29 04-311P4 THE RAINBOW HUNTER 9-10-06 Kim Bailey Aidan Coleman Trained in Gloucestershire by Kim Bailey, who won the Grand National in 1990 with Mr Frisk, the last horse to win under an amateur jockey - Marcus Armytage, now a racing journalist with the Daily Telegraph.

The Rainbow Hunter's owners include Oli Bell, a presenter for Racing UK, who tells me he has a good each-way shout on the drying ground. Jockey rode Mon Mome in 2008 National but picked another when horse won at 100-1 a year later. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1 30 F-63PP5 BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE 10-10-06 Noel Glynn IRE Martin Ferris Possibly an unlucky faller in the 2012 National. Said I couldn't see Becauseicouldntsee winning last year and I still can't see it this time round. Owned by trainer whose yard in the beautiful setting of Ennis in County Clare benefits from the wisdom of assistant Jason Titley, winning jockey in 1995 on Royal Athlete, trained by Jenny Pitman.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 31) 12P-P00 HARRY THE VIKING 8-10-06 Paul Nicholls Ryan Mahon Bookmakers say this is likely to be a popular each-way selection as there are quite a few Harrys out there these days. A second runner in this year's race for co-owner Sir Alex Ferguson, who also has a share in What A Friend and is big pals with champion trainer Paul Nicholls. Was second in Cheltenham four-miler last year behind Teaforthree but a little out of sorts since. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 32) 2360264 MR MOONSHINE (IRE) 9-10-05 Sue Smith Peter Buchanan Decent second at Wetherby over the festive period to the useful Cape Tribulation, who was fifth in last month's Cheltenham Gold Cup. Little else to get over-excited about. Trained by Sue Smith, the wife of former showjumper Harvey who caused a stir with a V-sign a long time ago. Will it be V for victory this time? V unlikely.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 33) 1133FP MUMBLES HEAD (IRE) 12-10-04 Peter Bowen Jamie Moore Scored two nice wins at Perth in the summer of 2012, although has been less prolific away from the Scottish track. Fell at the first when trailing in the Becher Chase over the National fences at Aintree in December. Welsh trainer appears to have a more dangerous challenger in Always Waining. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 100-1 34) 3F6042 NINETIETH MINUTE (IRE) 10-10-03 Tom Taaffe Niall Madden Some jokers have suggested this one should be owned by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Won the 2009 Coral Cup over hurdles at Cheltenham. Has won just once over fences for Irish trainer Tom Taaffe. Jockey Niall "Slippers" Madden won the 2006 National on Numbersixvalverde. Last time I tipped the winner. Good lad. His dad was known as "Boots".

It's a long story. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 35) 0P45F5 AURORAS ENCORE (IRE) 11-10-03 Sue Smith Ryan Mania Intriguing one this. Close second, beaten a neck by Merigo, in the 2012 Scottish Grand National having fallen at the first in the race two years earlier. Has been very disappointing this season so far. A win for the jockey would give headline writers something to conjure with, although I can't think of one myself. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 36) P11420 TARQUINIUS (FR) 10-10-02 Gordon Elliott IRE Wilson Renwick Trainer (see Chicago Grey) comes from a family of bingo players. Suspect his eyes will be down mainly looking at the shorter-priced stablemate, although a very decent second in a good trial, the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park, offers encouragement. Disappointing in Leinster National last time and that one little duck, combined with a possible preference for heavier ground, makes others appeal more.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 100-1 37) 614U40 ANY CURRENCY (IRE) 10-10-00 Martin Keighley Ian Popham Stamina is the forte of this horse owned by the Cash Is King Syndicate, so called because of the horse's name. Does he need heavier ground to bring this into play, as when third to Tidal Bay in the Bet365 Gold Cup (formerly the Whitbread) at Sandown in April 2012? Unseated jockey Aidan Coleman at the Canal Turn in Becher Chase on heavy going at Aintree in December, although trainer believes he will jump better in these drier conditions. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 100-1 38) 2P-265P MAJOR MALARKEY (IRE) 10-9-13 Nigel Twiston-Davies Tom Scudamore You can't argue with the name - classic. Bits and pieces of decent form, such as when runner-up in the Midlands National in March 2012.

His sire (dad to you and me) Supreme Leader was also responsible for 2002 National runner-up What's Up Boys. The trainer we know about (see Imperial Commander) and the rider is the son of former champion jump jockey Peter. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 200-1 39) 621B-001 SOLL 8-9-12 Jo Hughes Mark Grant Top Racing Post writer Alastair Down, who has had the pleasure of sitting next to me all meeting in the media centre, likes this one as an each-way prospect. Unlucky when brought down in race won by Teaforthree at Cheltenham last year. Now with up-and-coming Lambourn trainer. Might be one for football supporters of a certain persuasion if they think of former England defender Sol Campbell, I suppose. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 40) 023P25 VIKING BLOND (FR) 8-9-11 Nigel Twiston-Davies Adam Wedge Went off at 80-1 last year and fell at the first.

Had been favourite for the 2011 Welsh National at Chepstow but was pulled up. More encouraging fifth in the Grand National Trial at Haydock in February. Trainer has the top weight and bottom weight. Suggest you look a little higher up the list. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 Two horses die as gruelling Grand National takes its toll at Aintree | Sport | The Guardian Two horses die as gruelling Grand National takes its toll at Aintree • Becher's Brook is bypassed to avoid stricken horse • Ballabriggs misses chaos to land famous victory Eventual winner Ballabriggs, left, jumps the Chair on his way to victory in the Grand National at Aintree.

Photograph: Tom Jenkins Saturday 9 April 2011 15.34 EDT First published on Saturday 9 April 2011 15.34 EDT Close This article is 5 years old The name of the winning trainer was part of the Aintree tradition, but the Grand National changed for good on Saturday as two fences at Aintree, including Becher's Brook, the most famous obstacle of all, were bypassed by the field on the second circuit to avoid stricken horses. A gruelling race was won by Ballabriggs, trained by Donald McCain, whose father, Ginger, trained Red Rum. Two horses, Dooneys Gate and Ornais, suffered fatal injuries, while Ballabriggs was too exhausted to be ridden into the winner's enclosure. He recovered fully from his exertions within a few minutes and was able to return to McCain's yard at Malpas, Cheshire.

On a warm afternoon at Aintree , and on ground officially described as good, good-to-soft in places, Ballabriggs completed the four-and-a-half-mile course in 9mins 1sec, nearly 14 seconds outside the course record set by Mr Frisk in 1990 but still the second-fastest National of all time. He was up with the pace from an early stage, and led the field as they set out on the second circuit, where two fallers from the early stages were to have a significant effect on the race. First, the field moved right to pass around the 20th fence, where Ornais had suffered a fatal fall after jumping it as the fourth. Then, as the remaining runners approached Becher's Brook for the second time, they were again waved around the obstacle, where Dooneys Gate had been fatally injured. The sight of Aintree's most famous fence being bypassed was relayed to a huge crowd by an overhead shot on the giant screens dotted around the track, and the cover over the body of Dooneys Gate was clearly visible.

There were also concerns after the race about the wellbeing of Don't Push It, last year's National winner, who was immediately dismounted by Tony McCoy after finishing in third place. Like Ballabriggs, he soon recovered from his efforts before returning to Jonjo O'Neill's stable near Cheltenham. Forty horses faced the starter, with 19 completing the course. There were 10 fallers, while four horses unseated their riders, two more were brought down by other fallers and five were pulled up. The Grand National course has been modified significantly in recent years to address welfare concerns, but many of the changes, such as the levelling-out of the landing side at Becher's, have not been obvious to viewers among the race's huge worldwide audience. The day's events, though, highlighted some of the latest changes, in particular the decision to introduce a bypass around the line of fences running down to Becher's, where the course had previously been enclosed, with the obstacles stretching from one rail to the other. Had the changes not been in place, it might have been necessary to stop the race and declare it void.

Jason Maguire, who won the race for the first time, paid tribute to the bravery of Ballabriggs, who has now won six of his past seven starts, including a race at the Cheltenham Festival in 2010. "My biggest problem was to get him to relax," Maguire said. "I didn't want to lose my position early on, so we probably did too much in the early stages. He was going in to attack every fence and even two out I was still hanging on to him. But once he was off the bridle and straightened up he really dug deep and he was always going to hang on." There was a sting in the tail for the winning rider, who was banned for five days for using his whip with excessive frequency. Tony McCoy, who rode Don't Push It, said afterwards that "it was pretty much energy-sapping", while Daryl Jacob, who pulled up before four out on What A Friend, owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, said that his mount "got very tired on me so I pulled up and looked after him".

The Grand National is the most gruelling race of the season, the only jumps race to be run over such an extreme distance, and its unique and demanding nature is part of its attraction. These scenes were a reminder, however, that there is a level of danger in the National's nature that will never be removed entirely, because jumping fences on racehorses will always carry a risk. The point was borne out by reports that Peter Toole was in a critical condition in hospital on Saturday night after his fall on Classic Fly in a novices' chase, a race that did not feature the National fences. Some horses rise to the challenge of the National course, with the McCain family's Red Rum the most obvious example, as he completed five times at Aintree, jumping 150 fences in all, without ever looking likely to fall. Oscar Time, who finished second to Ballabriggs under his amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, also showed that the right horse will appreciate the unique fences.

"If a horse takes to this course," Waley-Cohen said, "it gives you the best 10 minutes of your life and the shortest 10 minutes." Any fall at any track, though, has the potential to cause serious injury, and while the great majority of horses and riders are unharmed, there will always be unfortunate exceptions. Millions of viewers were made fully aware of that, as a direct result of changes to the course that were introduced with the welfare of both horses and riders in mind. Grand National 2011: battle-weary winner Ballabriggs enjoys being star of the show after Aintree win - Telegraph Horse Racing Grand National 2011: battle-weary winner Ballabriggs enjoys being star of the show after Aintree win He trotted out into the sunlight and then tossed his head in the spotlight as if he recognised that, yes, he really had been a bit of a star. Home is the hero: Grand National winner Ballabriggs with trainer Donald McCain (right) and his father Ginger at their stables.

Photo: GETTY IMAGES By Ian Chadband 8:08PM BST 10 Apr 2011 Less than 24 hours since being left dehydrated and decidedly unsteady on his legs after an Aintree triumph as debilitating and courageous as any in recent memory, Ballabriggs looked a glowing picture of health while taking his bow at Donald McCain’s stables in Cheshire. It was hard to recall, gazing at this magnificent, hulking bay, that the previous day, his jockey Jason Maguire had needed the presence of mind on this blazing afternoon to leap off Ballabriggs’s back immediately after his triumph to let oxygen be administered and to allow the horse to be quickly sluiced down after one of the most merciless editions of one of sport’s most unforgiving tests. “Look, he’s tired, but he’s grand,” McCain was happy to report, conceding that after his own celebrations which started in the Poacher pub and saw him get to bed for only an hour at 6.30am yesterday morning, his new champion probably looked in much better nick than he did. “He was left exhausted on Saturday; it was really hot and windless down there.

It’s like watching marathons, with people wobbling all over the place. It was the same thing. He has a small cut on a hind leg, but he went for a walk this morning and he’s fine.” Relief all round. On the day itself, there had been enough sadness and distress as a backdrop to the main event, what with the serious injury to jockey Peter Toole and the highly-visible tragedy which befell two horses, that the gloss seemed to have been taken from the tale of good old Ballabriggs. So as groom Ed Bourne handed out the polo mints to his pal at the stables, it was time for those who love 'Brigzy’ best to make a proper fuss of the good-natured character who has ensured the McCains are enhanced further as the Grand National’s first family. Related Articles Where your money went 09 Apr 2011 This did not feel like the time-honoured homecoming of a National champion parading through his home village. No, this was just a quiet celebration among about 50 family and friends on the lawns behind Donald’s offices set amid his rented 200-acre grounds in Cholmondeley Castle.

A very genteel, very British and, reckoned patriarch Ginger McCain, a very different celebration to those raucous ones which greeted Red Rum’s fabled triumphs 40 miles up the road behind his Southport garage all those years ago. Ginger, who has not been too well recently, had evidently been reinvigorated by Donald’s first National win as he had everyone in stitches with his tales of “Bert the policeman”, who had promised to “look after everything” at the 1973 party after there had been complaints about the noise. “Except the party was so good that at 4 am we found him lying on a grass verge opposite the cemetery. The milkman thought the IRA had shot him!” Ginger had begun his Aintree pilgrimage on Saturday laying flowers at Rummy’s winning post resting place and ended it by saluting a champion, which he felt had shown all the heart and character of his old horse. As for Donald, he confessed, his lad’s win actually meant more to him than his own four ever did.

Ginger had heard all the previous day’s furore which surrounded the deaths and the safety concerns and, to nobody’s surprise, remained resolutely un-PC and old school in approach as he criticised “all the bloody health and safety stuff” and the “do gooders” who want to see the end of the National. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the horses bypassing Becher’s second time. “It’s a major feature of the race and the fence is there to be jumped,” said Ginger. “If a horse is dead, he’s dead. And if he was injured, vets once would have just hooked him up and pulled him away.” It was only on Thursday, indeed, that one of Donald’s charges, Inventor, was killed in a hurdle race at Aintree. Yesterday, McCain Jnr looked pained as he recalled the episode. “It’s very unfortunate, very sad, but its horse racing. It’s the Grand National meeting. Jockeys get hurt, horses get hurt. It’s a shame but it happens; I don’t really know the answer. “Thursday was rough. But that’s the game.

You don’t appreciate the good days if you don’t have bad ones too.” But yesterday he could appreciate a really good day. The sun was out, the champagne was being passed around, his old dad looked better than for ages and Ballabriggs was just loving being a star. What was the secret of the family’s success, Ginger was asked. “It’s because we’re hooked on it,” he said. For son, as for father, it can only ever continue to be a dangerous addiction. Grand National 2011: runners and riders named for Aintree race - Telegraph Horse Racing Grand National 2011: runners and riders named for Aintree race Last year's winner Don't Push It heads a maximum field of 40 runners in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday. 9:30AM BST 08 Apr 2011 The 11 year-old gave multiple champion jockey Tony McCoy an emotional first victory in the world's most famous steeplechase 12 months ago, and bids to repeat the dose under top weight.

Ante-post favourite The Midnight Club strives to provide Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins with his second taste of National glory, with his jockey Ruby Walsh seeking a third success. British champion Paul Nicholls is still winless in the marathon contest but has a strong hand this year, headed by Gold Cup fourth What A Friend, part-owned by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Oscar Time is bidding to give owner Robert Waley-Cohen and jockey Sam Waley-Cohen a huge double following the Gold Cup triumph of Long Run. Backstage, Silver By Nature, Donald McCain's Ballabriggs and Big Fella Thanks are other major contenders, while three horses in the field proper have been removed at the declaration stage. Related Articles Horse painting 'to fetch £20m' 06 Apr 2011 Northern Alliance, Roll Along and Our Monty will not face the starter, meaning Royal Rosa, Skippers Brig and Golden Kite are now guaranteed a run.

Runners and riders guide to 2011 Grand National: DON'T PUSH IT (Jonjo O'Neill) - odds 14/1 Bidding to become the first horse since Red Rum in 1974 to land back-to-back victories but faces a stiff task off top weight. Nevertheless, he loves Aintree and shaped well on his prep run a Cheltenham. TIDAL BAY (Howard Johnson) - 40/1 As quirky as he is talented, it is impossible to predict how he will react to the unique fences and the extreme distance. If he takes to the course then he could be in the shake-up - it's quite a big 'if' though. WHAT A FRIEND (Paul Nicholls) - 12/1 His fourth in the Gold Cup gives him every chance and he is sure to attract plenty of support. Co-owned by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, this smart chaser would be a major player if he rises to the occasion and is 'well in' at the weights.

VIC VENTURI (Dessie Hughes) - 50-1 Unlucky in the race last year when he was hampered at the 20th fence and unseated his rider. Has won the Becher Chase over these obstacles and has been trained for another crack. MAJESTIC CONCORDE (Dermot Weld) - 33/1 A fascinating Irish contender, whose trainer went close with Greasepaint in 1983 and 1984. A winner on the Flat, over hurdles and over fences, he certainly has plenty of class and has been lightly raced over the last couple of years. 8. OR NOIR DE SOMOZA (David Pipe) - 50/1 This purchase from France, where he was a prolific winner, has yet to run in Britain but connections have won the National in the past and are clearly excited by the nine-year-old. Hard to assess, however. DOONEYS GATE (Willie Mullins) - 100/1 May not be the stable's first string, but a decent performer. His form stands up well and he was fourth in the Topham over these fences last April.

BIG FELLA THANKS (Ferdy Murphy) - 18/1 Having his third attempt after finishing sixth and fourth in the last two years for Paul Nicholls and has since changed stables. Sure to have his supporters and he has been trained with just this day in mind. THE TOTHER ONE (Paul Nicholls) - 66/1 Very useful on his day and not that many miles on the clock. However, his jumping could be a big issue here as he does make the odd mistake. BALLABRIGGS (Donald McCain) - 14/1 Has been a big fancy for some time to continue the McCain family's amazing record in this great race. Did not have his first run of the season until January and after two spins over hurdles shaped well when second back over fences at Kelso. THE MIDNIGHT CLUB (Willie Mullins) - 10/1 Went on many people's short list when winning the Bobbyjo Chase, a traditional trial for the National, at Fairyhouse in February. The trainer struck with Hedgehunter in 2005 and this is his number one hope this time round.

NICHE MARKET (Paul Nicholls) - 20/1 The Irish National winner in 2009, he was pulled up here 12 months ago after losing touch when making a bad mistake. He has since been switched from Bob Buckler's stable and his new trainer has been focusing on getting him 100% for the big day. SILVER BY NATURE (Lucinda Russell) - 14/1 No grey has won since Nicolaus Silver 50 years ago but few have arrived on Merseyside with his credentials. Second in the 2009 Welsh National, he put up a terrific performance when scoring at Haydock last month for the second year running. Any rain would help his cause. BACKSTAGE (Gordon Elliott) - 12/1 Quietly fancied last year only to unseat his rider at the 20th fence. Has been given an unorthodox preparation with two runs in point-to-points which he won both. Trainer won with Silver Birch in 2007.

CHIEF DAN GEORGE (Jimmy Moffatt) - 40/1 Missed the cut for the race last year but has safely got in this time. Usually prominent from the start in his races but fell at Cheltenham on his latest outing. CALGARY BAY (Henrietta Knight) - 33/1 Has an interesting profile for a National horse and could run a big race if he takes to the course. The stable is not known for its runners in this, but he is normally a good jumper and should be suited by the galloping nature of Aintree. KILLYGLEN (Stuart Crawford) - 66/1 Although a winner on the Mildmay course as a novice, he has not quite lived up to expectations and has plenty of weight for what he has achieved of late. OSCAR TIME (Martin Lynch) - 12/1 Would be a fairytale triumph for connections of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run. He was bought after finishing second in last year's Irish National with Aintree as the objective. Ran a fine trial last time out and could well deliver.

QUINZ (Philip Hobbs) - 18/1 Has been mixing it in top novice company this season and stepped up to win the ever-competitive Racing Post Chase at Kempton recently. Remains open to huge improvement and is at the right end of the weights. Inexperience the worry. BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE (Noel Glynn) - 25/1 Yet another of a strong Irish contingent. Unexposed yet has shown a good level of form in staying chases, finishing runner-up in the Cheltenham four-miler last year and second to Majestic Concorde on his last start in December. COMPLY OR DIE (David Pipe) - 50/1 The winner in 2008 and runner-up in 2009, age appeared to catch up with him when he was 12th last year and hard to fancy to strike again, although he could get round in his own time. QUOLIBET (Jonjo O'Neill) - 150/1 Has some fair form to his name from his days in France but was pulled up on his British debut in Cheltenham's cross-country event. Not up to a task like this.

GRAND SLAM HERO (Nigel Twiston-Davies) - 100/1 Won last year's Summer Plate at Market Rasen and will have ground to suit, but still difficult to seeing making much impact. STATE OF PLAY (Evan Williams) - 25/1 Was fourth in this a couple of seasons ago and ran similarly well to grab third last year. Those experiences should stand him in good stead and he may pick up minor honours again, but difficult to see him winning. KING FONTAINE (Malcolm Jefferson) - 66/1 Progressive chaser who has won twice at Haydock this season and was not disgraced in finishing fifth in a hot handicap at the Cheltenham Festival. Looks the sort to do well in this race if taking to the fences, but this might be a year too soon. IN COMPLIANCE (Dessie Hughes) - 66/1 Has lost a gear or two since since winning a Grade One back in 2006, but has done well to come back from numerous injury problems. A winner at Thurles earlier this season and might go well for a way, but huge question marks over his stamina.

HELLO BUD (Nigel Twiston-Davies) - 33/1 Highly creditable fifth in last year's renewal and has since won the Becher Chase over these giant fences. Looks badly handicapped as a result, however, and no 13-year-old has won this since the 1920s. WEST END ROCKER (Alan King) - 33/1 Enjoying a fine campaign, winning on decent ground at Newbury before ploughing through the mud to win a competitive Classic Chase at Warwick. Ran no sort of race last time but has an each-way squeak if forgiven that and the rain comes in bucket loads. SANTA'S SON (Howard Johnson) - 150/1 A nine-time winner but this a different league to what he has been competing in for most of the season. No chance unless the rest fail to complete. BLUESEA CRACKER (James Motherway) - 25/1 Won a heavy ground Irish Grand National last spring and this has been the plan since. But she was well beaten by the Midnight Club last time and hard to see her reversing that form. Snapped up recently by last year's winning owner JP McManus.

THAT'S RHYTHM (Martin Todhunter) - 150/1 Not a bad sort at his level - but this isn't it. Might improve for this extreme distance, but surely not enough to make his presence felt. SURFACE TO AIR (Chris Bealby) - 66/1 Won three on the spin in 2008 but then spent almost three years on the sidelines. Last of 10 on his belated comeback and it seems injuries have wrecked a promising career. PIRAYA (David Pipe) - 150/1 Arrived from France with a big reputation a while back but has managed just one win and was beaten out of sight in this 12 months ago. Might get round again but will be nearer last than first. CAN'T BUY TIME (Jonjo O'Neill) - 66/1 Has looked the sort to run well in this for a while but he has failed to complete the last two years. Fair effort at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and would have place claims if completing, but that is no given.

CHARACTER BUILDING (John Quinn) - 25/1 Was well fancied 12 months ago but could only finish a never-nearer seventh. Has been largely disappointing since and if he could not do it last year, he surely won't this time. ORNAIS (Paul Nicholls) - 100/1 Has not had much racing over the past few years but showed he retains some sort of ability when second in a Newbury hunter chase last time. This is a different kettle of fish and impossible to fancy. ARBOR SUPREME (Willie Mullins) - 20/1 Parted company with his jockey at halfway last year but recent second to stablemate The Midnight Club, finishing in front of Oscar Time and Vic Venturi, reads well. Definite each-way chance. ROYAL ROSA (Howard Johnson) - 100/1 Was well beaten off when unseating his rider last year, but has since filled the runner-up spot in the Becher. Disappointed since in the Welsh National but a return to these fences might light him up. One of the more appealing 100-1 shots but not getting any younger.

SKIPPERS BRIG (Nicky Richards) - 40/1 Very smart horse who beat fellow National hope Ballabriggs at Kelso recently. Of some interest off a featherweight but quick ground would be a big blow to his chances. GOLDEN KITE (Adrian Maguire) - 80/1 Won a thrilling Munster National in October and a recent spin over hurdles should have him spot-on fitness-wise. Lack of course experience the main concern. Reserves: ALWAYS WAINING (Peter Bowen) Ran away with the Topham 12 months ago and was not disgraced in finishing sixth in the Becher on ground softer than ideal. Has been campaigned over hurdles since to protect his mark and can be given an each-way squeak. FAASEL (David Pipe) Talented but quirky individual, who was second in the Kim Muir for the second year in succession at Cheltenham. Anyone's guess how he'll take to this and he's not betting material. LE BEAU BAI (Richard Lee) Will definitely stay but lacks the pace to threaten on this quicker ground. Pulled up in the Midlands National last time too, so too many negatives to make a case for him.

GILES CROSS (Victor Dartnall) Second in the Welsh National but they are going to go too quick for him on this ground.

Question: Which horse won the 2011 Grand National at Aintree?
Answer: Ballabriggs